The Mets have made some major noise in free agency this offseason. Now, they’re at least kicking the tires on a trade for an All-Star.
The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed Tuesday that the Mets are among the teams interested in White Sox closer Liam Hendriks. The Mets already brought back closer Edwin Diaz on a five-year, $102 million contract, the largest ever given to a relief pitcher.
Hendriks, 33, is a three-time All-Star, with two of those nods coming the last two seasons with Chicago. The Australian signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the White Sox before the 2021 season after five seasons with the Athletics. Hendriks is set to make $14 million in 2023 (with a luxury tax salary of $18 million) and has a $15 million club option for 2024.
In 2022, the right-hander had a 2.81 ERA, 37 saves and 85 strikeouts in 58 appearances. Over his last four seasons, Hendriks has a 2.26 ERA, 114 saves and 359 strikeouts in 226 games.
In addition to re-signing Diaz, the Mets also signed veteran reliever David Robertson to a one-year, $10 million contract and acquired left-hander Brooks Raley in a trade with the Rays. And on Tuesday, they reached an agreement to bring back Adam Ottavino, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed.
The Mets made waves by signing Justin Verlander, who was introduced at Citi Field on Tuesday, two a two-year, $86.7 million contract after Jacob deGrom left to join the Rangers. They also signed Japanese right-hander Kodai Senga to a five-year, $75 million deal and left-hander Jose Quintana to a two-year, $26 million contract.
Steve Cohen also shelled out $162 million over eight years to bring back center fielder Brandon Nimmo.